No impact: Water Corporation responds to pipe leaks near Mira Mar landslip site

The Water Corporation says three water pipe leaks in Mira Mar last week will have no impact on the Sleeman Avenue landslip continuing to threaten homes nearby. Water Corporation Great Southern regional manager Adrian Stewart said crews were already responding to a minor leak on a service pipe at a park on Miramar Road when they received reports of damage to another pipe on Wakefield Crescent on Wednesday. “Crews attended and promptly switched off the water before completing repair work the same morning,” he said. “Unfortunately, when water was restored, crews identified a second break in the pipe further down the line on Drew Lane, Mira Mar. This was also promptly repaired.” The recent leaks occurred about 100m away from Sleeman Avenue, the site of a slow-moving landslip which has destroyed two homes and threatens to damage three more homes at the toe of the landslip on Anzac Road. The cause of the landslip is in dispute, with Water Corporation citing a history of ground movement in the area and prolonged heavy winter rainfall, and residents blaming a burst water main on July 30. Mr Stewart said the leaks on Miramar Road, Drew Lane and Wakefield Crescent last week would have no effect on the Sleeman Avenue landslip. “The bursts were attended to promptly and are unrelated,” he said. “The cause of the bursts is unknown, but Water Corporation is investigating external factors that may be responsible, including third party damage to the pipe.” Mr Stewart said Mira Mar pipes were “well within their expected 80-year operational lifespan and in good condition”. “It is likely they will not need replacement until towards the end of their expected service life by 2053,” he said.